Acid Attack Survivor Laxmi Agarwal Submits Policy Framework to CJI at NALSA Conference

Bringing the issue of justice, rights and rehabilitation of acid attack survivors into sharp national focus, Laxmi Agarwal highlighted the urgent need for systemic and long-term reforms at the 2026 National Legal Services Authority North Zone Regional Conference. She emphasized that justice cannot be limited to courtrooms alone, and that survivors require sustained medical, psychological and financial support to rebuild their lives with dignity.

It is important to note that Laxmi Agarwal is the petitioner in the landmark case Laxmi versus Union of India, a historic public interest litigation that led to stricter regulation of acid sale, structured compensation mechanisms and stronger legal safeguards for survivors across the country. Her intervention has played a significant role in shaping policy and public awareness around acid violence in India.

On this occasion, Laxmi Agarwal of The Laxmi Foundation said, “Justice for acid attack survivors cannot be confined to legal outcomes alone. It must translate into a system that enables survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence. Ensuring timely medical care, effective rehabilitation, mental health support and access to livelihood opportunities is essential. Without a strong and coordinated framework, justice remains incomplete.”

The National Legal Services Authority organised the North Zone Regional Conference on the theme “Justice Beyond Barriers Rights, Rehabilitation and Enhancing Access to Justice.” The Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, highlighted the need for localised and responsive strategies to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and the timely delivery of justice, particularly for vulnerable communities. He also underscored the importance of addressing geographical challenges in hilly regions.

The Chairman of NALSA and Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Vikram Nath, emphasised that access to justice must go beyond physical courtrooms. He stressed the importance of ensuring justice reaches every individual in a timely and effective manner.

The conference brought together representatives from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi, enabling meaningful deliberations on strengthening access to justice across regions.

Representing The Laxmi Foundation, Laxmi Agarwal and Dr Navpreet Kaur were invited to share insights on the lived realities of acid attack survivors, highlighting gaps in implementation and the urgent need for a more coordinated support system.

The session was co-chaired by Hon’ble Mr Justice S Venkatanarayana Bhatti, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, and Hon’ble Mr Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi, in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India.

On this occasion, The Laxmi Foundation submitted a detailed survivor centric policy framework to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India. The proposal focuses on strengthening access to immediate and quality medical care, effective legal aid, long term rehabilitation, mental health support and financial empowerment for acid attack survivors. It also highlights the need for stronger institutional coordination and accountability mechanisms.

It is expected that this policy framework will contribute meaningfully to future reforms and receive due consideration for implementation at the national level, ensuring that acid attack survivors are able to lead safe, dignified and self reliant lives.